Tinubu blames opposition for hunger, poverty in Nigeria; Atiku kicks, says president delusional

President Bola Tinubu has accused opposition politicians of causing the hunger and poverty Nigerians are experiencing, insisting that his administration is working to address the problems as he formally launched his 2027 presidential campaign in Kaduna on Saturday.

Mr Tinubu made the remarks at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off at Ranchers Bees Stadium (also known as Kaduna Township Stadium), ahead of the 2027 general elections.

I have heard the opposition talking about hunger and poverty. Who caused them? They did! They caused hunger and poverty. We are trying to eliminate them,” the president said.

He also urged his supporters to be wary of statements from the opposition, particularly criticism of his decision to remove the petrol subsidy, insisting that the country would not return to the previous system.

“Be careful; watch them. Don’t let them lie to you. What is past is in the past.

“Fuel subsidy is in our past: no more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies, no more smuggling of fuel,” Mr Tinubu told supporters at the rally.

The president’s remarks come amid persistent public concerns over high food prices, inflation and declining purchasing power, issues expected to feature prominently in political debates ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a swift reaction to the president’s remarks, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described President Tinubu’s claim “as a delusional, shameless attempt to dodge responsibility for the misery his own government has inflicted on Nigerians.”

He said a president cannot light the fire of hardship with his own policies, then blame the neighbours for the smoke.

Tinubu defends petrol subsidy removal

Since assuming office in May 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange regime.

The government has defended the measures as necessary to reduce public expenditure, tackle alleged corruption associated with the subsidy system and establish the foundations for sustainable economic growth.

While Mr Tinubu insists that the removal of the subsidy is irreversible, critics continue to demand evidence that the savings and additional revenue generated by the reforms are translating into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.

At the rally, the president also said salaries were being paid on time and praised APC governors for their development projects.

Tinubu thanks Kaduna residents

At the rally, Mr Tinubu thanked the people of Kaduna State for supporting him in the 2023 presidential election, saying their backing contributed to his victory.

“You gave me the joy of remembering the victory you gave me to become president. I have returned to thank you once again,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to give him another opportunity in 2027, promising to continue pursuing his agenda of prosperity, development and national growth.

Tinubu has a long history of supporting the North – VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima defended Mr Tinubu’s political relationship with northern Nigeria, saying the president had supported politicians from the region for years, including those who contested the presidency in previous elections.

Mr Shettima cited Mr Tinubu’s political relationships with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the late President Muhammadu Buhari to argue that the president had consistently supported northern political figures.

“President Bola Tinubu is one person who has fiercely identified with the North over the years. It is pertinent to mention that when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was harassed and chased off the PDP with his tail between his legs, he ran to the Lion of Bourdillon, who gave him political succour, support and a platform to contest for the presidency of this country in 2007.

“In 2011, Asiwaju supported another northerner, Nuhu Ribadu, and in 2015 and 2019, he supported our late President Muhammadu Buhari,” Mr Shettima said.

The expression, “Lion of Bourdillon,” refers to Mr Tinubu, whose residence on Bourdillon Road in Lagos has become associated with his political influence.

Atiku contested the presidency under the Action Congress (AC) in 2007 after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with support from Mr Tinubu and other party leaders.

In 2011, Mr Ribadu contested the presidency under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a party led by Mr Tinubu. In 2015 and 2019, Mr Tinubu supported Mr Buhari’s presidential bids under the APC.

However, Mr Tinubu and Atiku subsequently became political opponents, particularly during the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, when the former vice president contested under the PDP while Mr Tinubu was in the APC.

Mr Shettima’s remarks were part of the APC’s effort to highlight Mr Tinubu’s history of political alliances and support for politicians from Northern Nigeria as the party seeks another presidential term for him in 2027.

Top government officials attend the rally

The event attracted senior federal government officials, APC governors and party leaders from different parts of the country.

Those in attendance included Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who received Mr Tinubu upon his arrival in the state.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume was also among the senior officials at the event. Other attendees included ministers, senators, members of the House of Representatives, APC governors and prominent party figures.

APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and Abdulaziz Yari, director-general of the party’s presidential campaign council, were among the party leaders involved in preparations for the rally and efforts to mobilise support for Mr Tinubu’s re-election.

The event marked the official launch of the APC’s presidential campaign, as the party seeks to consolidate its support base ahead of the 2027 general elections.